Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Miami Dolphins: June 22 News & Notes

ESPN's John Clayton believes running back Ricky Williams is more likely to return to the Dolphins in 2011 than Ronnie Brown. Both players are unrestricted free agents next offseason, but Clayton believes Brown's asking price could be too high. I'm inclined to agree, as Brown is a talented back but is rapidly approaching 30 and has had trouble staying healthy in recent years. Neither player is a strong candidate for a long-term deal, but Williams could provide the less expensive short-term option.

The Dolphins recently lost a ruling in their attempt to recover bonus money paid on two players that left the team before training camp began last year. Offensive tackle SirVincent Rogers and tight end Jared Bronson received signing bonuses of $8,000 and $7,000 respectively, but neither stuck around to try and make the squad. A Houston alum, Rogers opted to retire in early August and return to school, while Bronson simply did not show up for training camp. Bronson hasn't been heard from since, while Rogers ended up returning to the team in February 2010, only to be waived less than a month later.

Updating a previous report, the Dolphins are confirmed to be attending ex-BYU running back Harvey Unga's private workout in June 8. Unga, who withdrew earlier in the year for an undisclosed violation of the school's honor code, will be eligible for the NFL supplemental draft on July 15.

Dolphins prized acquisition Brandon Marshall hasn't made an impact for the team yet, but he should give Madden NFL 11 players a great new weapon. Marshall is the third-highest rated wide receiver in EA's next offering of the franchise, coming in at a 96 overall. Only Houston's Andre Johnson (98) and Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald (97) are rated higher, with players like Randy Moss (95), Roddy White (93), DeSean Jackson (91), Calvin Johnson (91), and Wes Welker (91) trailing behind.

Former Dolphins quarterback Cleo Lemon has been named the starting quarterback to begin the Toronto Argonauts' 2010 season in the Canadian Football League. A six-year NFL veteran, Lemon spent three seasons with the Dolphins from 2005 to 2007. He is perhaps best known for his 64-yard touchdown pass to Greg Camarillo in overtime against the Baltimore Ravens, which secured the Dolphins their only victory in a 1-15 season. Lemon last played in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2008, and was released by the Ravens prior to the 2009 regular season.